Dear Editor:
On Oct.18 a picnic in honor of Ortonville DDA’s volunteers was held in Crossman Park.
Nine volunteers received special honors. The awards were given to people who best personified the principles of success for a Main Street Community. Each recipient received a small pin, for attaching to their lanyard, symbolizing the quality for which they were being honored.
Rick Dery received a thumbprint pin representing the first principle, Comprehensive. Debbie Baker, DDA Board Member and BB&E Market Manager, received a bonsai pin to represent the second principle, Incremental. Portia Mahoney, owner of Art of Life and DDA Board Member, received a ‘lighthouse? pin to represent the third principle, ‘Self-Help.? Robin Mansfield, received a ‘bridge builder? pin representing the fourth principle, Success.
The fifth principle, Capitalizing on Existing Assets, was awarded to Liz Waters. Owner of Trinity Photography, a village resident, and this year’s CreekFest Coordinator; she received an ‘essential element? pin.
Property owner Robert Renchik, received an eagle pin to represent the sixth principle of success, Quality.
Organization Committee Co-chairs, Kaye Franklin and Dara Beaudet, received fish pins symbolizing Fresh Ideas Start Here. They are being honored for the seventh principle, Change.
The last principle, Action Oriented, represented by a frog, was awarded to Brenda Timmermans.
The final award, Main Street Spirit, was awarded to Pam Belding.
It is difficult to give special honor to just nine people. Everyone who volunteers contributes uniquely toward the above principles. Regardless of how you volunteer or for whom you choose to volunteer – thank you. Thank you for taking time to volunteer. Thank you for caring about your community. Thank you for believing you can make a difference.
Molly LaLone
Executive Director
Ortonville DDA